يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا بِطَانَةً مِنْ دُونِكُمْ لَا يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالًا وَدُّوا مَا عَنِتُّمْ قَدْ بَدَتِ الْبَغْضَاءُ مِنْ أَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَمَا تُخْفِي صُدُورُهُمْ أَكْبَرُ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآَيَاتِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ[ O believers, do not confide with others except your own people. They will spare no effort to ruin you. They surely desire your annihilation. Hate is on their tongues, and what they hide in their hearts is worse. We have shown you the signs if you have sense. ]

There are two aspects in our lives in this world. One is virtue and the other is evil. Virtue is from Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and from His Apostles and His Awliya, while the center of evil is Satan and his associates in Jinnies and human beings.

The people who reject faith, those who are Munafiqeen and those who have imbibed in their hearts the love of power, money, women and other comforts in this world, can never be on the same wave length as that of the sincere believers.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is commanding us to be careful in this world and avoid confiding with people who stand in total opposition to the believers. They surely desire the believers' annihilation because of their hate. Sincere believers are the road blocks for them and they always to try to remove these road blocks so that they have a free ride for their evil desires.

It is important to remember one more thing. The associates in sins are Shayateen, unbelievers, Munafiqeen, and those who pursue their lustful desires. The company of unbelievers, Munafiqeen and the people who are after their lust in this world effects you and slowly you become one of them.

Many of the Jinns and Shayateen are invisible to human physical eyes. The moment you involve in a sin, say in Zina, be rest assured that you have the company of devils around you who watch you doing Zina. They participate in this act along with you. Once you are caught in this circle of evil, these devils never leave you alone. They will follow you wherever you go and watch whatever you do. They will create insinuations in your heart to indulge in more sins and in their company you will grow in sinning and rebellion. It is a steep slope that takes you down to the pit of Hell. It is very difficult to climb back from this slope because there is no one to pull you up and you have many devils in Shayateen and humans pulling you down along with them. At this time, Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Mercy is cut off from you. The only way out is, you should seek the company of a Sahih-ul-Aqeedah Shaikh of Ihsan to pull you out from the steep slope, and repent for your sins and seek Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Mercy and back to the straight path.

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 119

هَا أَنْتُمْ أُولَاءِ تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ كُلِّهِ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمْ قَالُوا آَمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْا عَضُّوا عَلَيْكُمُ الْأَنَامِلَ مِنَ الْغَيْظِ قُلْ مُوتُوا بِغَيْظِكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ[ Listen, you hold them as your friends but they do not, even though you believe in all the Scriptures. When they meet you they say, 'We believe;' but when they are alone they bite their fingers in rage. Say, 'Die in your rage'. Allah is aware of the secrets of the hearts.' ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 120

إِنْ تَمْسَسْكُمْ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ وَإِنْ تُصِبْكُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَفْرَحُوا بِهَا وَإِنْ تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا لَا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ[ If good comes your way, they are unhappy; but if evil befalls you they are pleased and rejoice; yet if you are patient and guard yourselves against evil, their cunningness will not harm you in the least, for whatsoever they do is well within the reach of Allah. ]

Allah"s (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) help to his servants is always there. Only condition is you should guard yourselves from rebellion and should not fall victim to the worldly desires.

Our condition in this life is similar to a man who has been asked to hold on to his corporeal desires for sometime. Unlawful acquisition of these desires is like a severe infection with which the person is sure to die in disgrace and will be subjected to torment in Hereafter. As against this, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has promised you to provide everything your Nafs desires in Hereafter. You will get exceptional food, pious companions, palaces, and gardens to live and there will be no restrictions in using these comforts.

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 121

وَإِذْ غَدَوْتَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ تُبَوِّئُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَقَاعِدَ لِلْقِتَالِ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ[ Remember when you (O' Prophet ﷺ) set forth in the morning from your house assigning the positions of the believers for the battle, Allah heard everything and knew all. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 122

إِذْ هَمَّتْ طَائِفَتَانِ مِنْكُمْ أَنْ تَفْشَلَا وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّهُمَا وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ[ When two of your groups were about to lose heart, Allah provided them courage; and in Him should the believers place their trust. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 123

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنْتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ[ Allah had helped you during the Battle of Badr at a time when you were helpless. So fear Allah; you may well be grateful. ]

Seventeenth Ramadan is a reminder of the battle of Badr — the first major battle fought against the enemies of Islam. This decisive battle laid the foundation for the Islamic State and made Muslims a force to reckon with in the Arabian peninsula. A very important fact for all people to under­stand is that Islam is the religion of peace and that it is neither imposed nor forced on anyone, as clearly stated in the Holy Quran itself. It is a universal fact that his­tory does not record one single episode in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) compelled any human being to convert to Islam. His character and conduct enticed people towards Islam. The Battle of Badr is a great example from our history that teaches; ‘victory does not depend on numbers or collecting weapons and shields – Victory is from Allah.’ “How often has a small group overcome a might host by Allah’s leave. And Allah is with the patient.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 249] However, Allah only grants victory to those who believe in Him and put their complete trust in Him. Allah sent blessing and help to the believers in the battle of Badr and made them victorious over the disbelieving pagans only after putting them to trial! Allah tested the Muslims for ten years in Makkah and then He tested them again by the order to migrate to al-Medina leaving behind all possessions. It was the result of the strong trust of the Sahabah in Allah that they willingly marched towards the battlefield, even though they knew that the disbelievers had come with huge army and weaponry. 1. The Battle of Badr took place on Ramadan 17, in the second year after the emigration of the Prophet (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. The Mus­lims were able to vanquish their enemies in this battle in which Allah separated truth from falsehood and it became known as the Battle of Separation. This established the power of the Muslims. 2. Badr is the name of the spot at which the battle took place, and is situated in the south-west of Madinah, and was a meeting point between Madinah Road and the road used by the caravans coming from Syria to Makkah. It is a plain that is bordered by hills and mountains and is known for the abundance of date palms and water wells. The majority of its people now belong to the Harb tribe. 3. During the Prophet’s time, Badr was a watering station at which the caravans used to get water for their camels, and there used to be a market there once a year. Historians say the cause of the battle was that when the Quraish of Makkah were re­turning from Syria, the Prophet (PBUH) sent two of his companions to get news of them. They reached a place called Alhawra and waited there until Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, leader of the caravan, arrived, after which the two scouts hurried back to Madinah and in­formed the Prophet (PBUH). 4. The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have told his followers to go after the caravan, but no one was compelled to do so. He then departed with a contingent of just over 300 men (313-317), and they had between them only two horses and 70 camels. 5. The man who was left behind in Ma­dinah to lead the prayers was Ibn Umm Maktum, and the army consisted of both immigrants (Muhajirin) numbering 86 and supporters (Ansar) of the Awas and Khaz­raj tribes. The Prophet (PBUH) divided the army into two detachments: the Muhajirin led by Ali ibn Abi Talib and the supporters under the leadership of Saad ibn Muadh. 6. The contingent set off from Madinah until they reached a place called Safra, from where the Prophet (PBUH) sent two of his compan­ions out to scout around and bring him in­telligence reports. 7. Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Quraish trading caravan, changed course and head­ed for the coast and thence to Makkah which the caravan reached safety. But be­fore that he had already sent a messenger to Makkah to ask for help to rescue the car­avan. The Quraish prepared a contingent of 1,300 warriors, which had 100 horses and an unknown number of camels. Commanding their army was Aba Jahl. 8. At Juhfa, they received a new message from Abu Sufyan telling them that the car­avan was safe and that they should return to base. But when the men were just about to start the return journey, Abu Jahl, in his ar­rogance, told them not to turn around. He incited and exhorted them to war, and with the exception of 300 members of the Bani Zahrah tribe, the rest of the contingent obeyed his command. The 1,000 men marched on, but when the Banu Hashim also wanted to return to Makkah, Abu Jahl refused them per­mission. The men reached a hillock situated at Upper Adwa, bordering the Badr Val­ley. 9. The Prophet (PBUH) learnt that the Quraish army was on its way, and he understood the gravity of the situation. He realised that a confrontation was inevitable. But the im­portant thing was that it all depended on the attitude of the Ansar, because they had promised him they would protect him as long as he was in Madinah and there was no reference to any place outside it. 10. But the Ansar, under the command of Saad ibn Muadh, were men of integrity and loyalty, for, when the Prophet (PBUH) asked them of their opinion, they made an apt reply and told him that he should fight the non­believers and Allah would be with them. Whereupon the Prophet (PBUH) broke the news that Allah had promised victory for them. Thus, the Muslim army moved and hur­ried to the well of Badr, to be the first to arrive. When they reached there, Habab ibn Al Mundhir advised the Prophet (PBUH) that they should fill all the wells except one, near which a trough should be built, and used only by the Muslims for their drinking wa­ter. The Prophet (PBUH) accepted the advice and approved the plan. 11. The numerically superior legion of the nonbelievers arrived, and when the Prophet (PBUH) saw the huge army he raised his hands in supplication to Allah and be­seeched His support and salvation. There­upon, Allah sent him a revelation to the ef­fect that He was with them, and that He would fill the nonbelievers’ hearts with fear and trepidation. Allah made it known to the Prophet (PBUH) that He was sending down His angels to help him. A few men of the Quraish, among them Hakim ibn Huzam and Utbah ibn Rabiah, thought of returning home, but Abu Jahl, incited the nonbelievers to fight. Then the fighting started, and within a short time it began to intensify. 12. Three of the Quraish noblemen, Utbah ibn Rabiah, his brother Shaibah, and Al­ Walid ibn Utbah, asked for a sword contest, and suffered defeat at the swords of Hamza, Ali, and Ubaydah ibn Al-Harith. This was a bad omen for the nonbelievers. They at­tacked the Muslims ferociously, but the Muslims were steadfast and resisted them. 13. The Muslims fought hard and the angels came to their aid, and that was when signs of failure and tension in the ranks of the enemy began to show. Abu Jahl and Umayyah ibn Khalaf were among the first casualties. 14. Then followed Al-As ibn Al­Mughira, Abu Albahtari ibn Hisham, and others among the Quraish stalwarts — sev­enty in all. Another 70 were taken prisoner by the Muslims, among them Abbas, the Prophet’s uncle (who had gone to the bat­tlefield halfheartedly), Utbah ibn Abi Muit, Nadhar ibn Al-Harith, their stan­dard-bearer. 15.With the help of Allah, Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) and his companions fought bravery until the Quraysh suffered great loss and fled the battlefield. They lost 70 of their best men and 70 were taken as prisoners by the Muslims. Only fourteen Muslims were martyred in this battle: “And remember when you were few and were reckoned weak in the land and were afraid that men might kidnap you, but He provided a safe place for you, strengthened you with His help, and provided you with good things so that you might be grateful.” [Soorah al-Anfal (8): 26] After the battle of Badr, the Muslims emerged as one powerful nation.

Seventeenth Ramadan is a reminder of the battle of Badr — the first major battle fought against the enemies of Islam. This decisive battle laid the foundation for the Islamic State and made Muslims a force to reckon with in the Arabian peninsula. A very important fact for all people to under­stand is that Islam is the religion of peace and that it is neither imposed nor forced on anyone, as clearly stated in the Holy Quran itself. It is a universal fact that his­tory does not record one single episode in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) compelled any human being to convert to Islam. His character and conduct enticed people towards Islam. The Battle of Badr is a great example from our history that teaches; ‘victory does not depend on numbers or collecting weapons and shields – Victory is from Allah.’ “How often has a small group overcome a might host by Allah’s leave. And Allah is with the patient.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 249] However, Allah only grants victory to those who believe in Him and put their complete trust in Him. Allah sent blessing and help to the believers in the battle of Badr and made them victorious over the disbelieving pagans only after putting them to trial! Allah tested the Muslims for ten years in Makkah and then He tested them again by the order to migrate to al-Medina leaving behind all possessions. It was the result of the strong trust of the Sahabah in Allah that they willingly marched towards the battlefield, even though they knew that the disbelievers had come with huge army and weaponry. 1. The Battle of Badr took place on Ramadan 17, in the second year after the emigration of the Prophet (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. The Mus­lims were able to vanquish their enemies in this battle in which Allah separated truth from falsehood and it became known as the Battle of Separation. This established the power of the Muslims. 2. Badr is the name of the spot at which the battle took place, and is situated in the south-west of Madinah, and was a meeting point between Madinah Road and the road used by the caravans coming from Syria to Makkah. It is a plain that is bordered by hills and mountains and is known for the abundance of date palms and water wells. The majority of its people now belong to the Harb tribe. 3. During the Prophet’s time, Badr was a watering station at which the caravans used to get water for their camels, and there used to be a market there once a year. Historians say the cause of the battle was that when the Quraish of Makkah were re­turning from Syria, the Prophet (PBUH) sent two of his companions to get news of them. They reached a place called Alhawra and waited there until Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, leader of the caravan, arrived, after which the two scouts hurried back to Madinah and in­formed the Prophet (PBUH). 4. The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have told his followers to go after the caravan, but no one was compelled to do so. He then departed with a contingent of just over 300 men (313-317), and they had between them only two horses and 70 camels. 5. The man who was left behind in Ma­dinah to lead the prayers was Ibn Umm Maktum, and the army consisted of both immigrants (Muhajirin) numbering 86 and supporters (Ansar) of the Awas and Khaz­raj tribes. The Prophet (PBUH) divided the army into two detachments: the Muhajirin led by Ali ibn Abi Talib and the supporters under the leadership of Saad ibn Muadh. 6. The contingent set off from Madinah until they reached a place called Safra, from where the Prophet (PBUH) sent two of his compan­ions out to scout around and bring him in­telligence reports. 7. Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Quraish trading caravan, changed course and head­ed for the coast and thence to Makkah which the caravan reached safety. But be­fore that he had already sent a messenger to Makkah to ask for help to rescue the car­avan. The Quraish prepared a contingent of 1,300 warriors, which had 100 horses and an unknown number of camels. Commanding their army was Aba Jahl. 8. At Juhfa, they received a new message from Abu Sufyan telling them that the car­avan was safe and that they should return to base. But when the men were just about to start the return journey, Abu Jahl, in his ar­rogance, told them not to turn around. He incited and exhorted them to war, and with the exception of 300 members of the Bani Zahrah tribe, the rest of the contingent obeyed his command. The 1,000 men marched on, but when the Banu Hashim also wanted to return to Makkah, Abu Jahl refused them per­mission. The men reached a hillock situated at Upper Adwa, bordering the Badr Val­ley. 9. The Prophet (PBUH) learnt that the Quraish army was on its way, and he understood the gravity of the situation. He realised that a confrontation was inevitable. But the im­portant thing was that it all depended on the attitude of the Ansar, because they had promised him they would protect him as long as he was in Madinah and there was no reference to any place outside it. 10. But the Ansar, under the command of Saad ibn Muadh, were men of integrity and loyalty, for, when the Prophet (PBUH) asked them of their opinion, they made an apt reply and told him that he should fight the non­believers and Allah would be with them. Whereupon the Prophet (PBUH) broke the news that Allah had promised victory for them. Thus, the Muslim army moved and hur­ried to the well of Badr, to be the first to arrive. When they reached there, Habab ibn Al Mundhir advised the Prophet (PBUH) that they should fill all the wells except one, near which a trough should be built, and used only by the Muslims for their drinking wa­ter. The Prophet (PBUH) accepted the advice and approved the plan. 11. The numerically superior legion of the nonbelievers arrived, and when the Prophet (PBUH) saw the huge army he raised his hands in supplication to Allah and be­seeched His support and salvation. There­upon, Allah sent him a revelation to the ef­fect that He was with them, and that He would fill the nonbelievers’ hearts with fear and trepidation. Allah made it known to the Prophet (PBUH) that He was sending down His angels to help him. A few men of the Quraish, among them Hakim ibn Huzam and Utbah ibn Rabiah, thought of returning home, but Abu Jahl, incited the nonbelievers to fight. Then the fighting started, and within a short time it began to intensify. 12. Three of the Quraish noblemen, Utbah ibn Rabiah, his brother Shaibah, and Al­ Walid ibn Utbah, asked for a sword contest, and suffered defeat at the swords of Hamza, Ali, and Ubaydah ibn Al-Harith. This was a bad omen for the nonbelievers. They at­tacked the Muslims ferociously, but the Muslims were steadfast and resisted them. 13. The Muslims fought hard and the angels came to their aid, and that was when signs of failure and tension in the ranks of the enemy began to show. Abu Jahl and Umayyah ibn Khalaf were among the first casualties. 14. Then followed Al-As ibn Al­Mughira, Abu Albahtari ibn Hisham, and others among the Quraish stalwarts — sev­enty in all. Another 70 were taken prisoner by the Muslims, among them Abbas, the Prophet’s uncle (who had gone to the bat­tlefield halfheartedly), Utbah ibn Abi Muit, Nadhar ibn Al-Harith, their stan­dard-bearer. 15.With the help of Allah, Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) and his companions fought bravery until the Quraysh suffered great loss and fled the battlefield. They lost 70 of their best men and 70 were taken as prisoners by the Muslims. Only fourteen Muslims were martyred in this battle: “And remember when you were few and were reckoned weak in the land and were afraid that men might kidnap you, but He provided a safe place for you, strengthened you with His help, and provided you with good things so that you might be grateful.” [Soorah al-Anfal (8): 26] After the battle of Badr, the Muslims emerged as one powerful nation.

The battle of Badr took place on Ramadan 17, in the second year of Hijra. It was a decisive battle that established the Islamic State. Badr is a place situated 150 kilometers south-west of Madina. During Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) time, Badr was a watering station at which the caravans used to get water for their camels.

After the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and his companions' emigration to Madina, Makkan pagans imposed restriction on them from traveling in and around their territory. In return, Muslims also demanded that the Pagans should not travel in and around Madina.

The cause of the battle was, Muslims got the news that a massive trade Caravan of Pagans was re­turning from Syria to Makka. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) sent some of his companions to get news of them while the caravan travels within the vicinity of Madina. They reached a place called Alhawra and waited there until Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, leader of the caravan, arrived. Muslims tried to go after the Caravan, but Abu Sufyan, who had not accepted Islam then, managed to bypass Muslims. He however informed Makkan Pagans about it by a fast emissary and sought their help to protect the Caravan. On his request, the Makkan pagans prepared a contingent of 1,000 warriors and marched towards Madina. On their way they met the Caravan which was returning safely to Makka. The Pagans deliberated what to do in this circumstance. They eventually decided to continue their march to attack Madina. When the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) knew about the Makkan army marching towards Madina, he prepared a Muslim Army that consisted of 313 men. The Muslim Army hurried to the well of Badr to safeguard supply of drinking water. When the Pagan army arrived there with a huge army and weaponry, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) prayed to Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) for help. The revelation came assuring the assistance and angels were sent down to help Muslim army. Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and Sahabah fought bravely and pagans were defeated decisively. They ran away from Badr. They lost 70 of their well known warriors, including Abu Jahl, and another 70 of them were taken as prisoners. Muslims suffered 14 casualties.

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 124

إِذْ تَقُولُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَلَنْ يَكْفِيَكُمْ أَنْ يُمِدَّكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ بِثَلَاثَةِ آَلَافٍ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُنْزَلِينَ[ Remember when you said to the believers : 'Is it not sufficient that your Lord would send for your help three thousand angels from the heavens? ]

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is assuring His help, but the condition is you should remain patient and pious in difficult situations and trust in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 126

وَمَا جَعَلَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بُشْرَى لَكُمْ وَلِتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُكُمْ بِهِ وَمَا النَّصْرُ إِلَّا مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ[ And Allah did not bestow this victory except for your happiness, and only that your hearts may attain peace with it; and there is no help except from Allah, the Almighty, the Wise. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 127

لِيَقْطَعَ طَرَفًا مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَوْ يَكْبِتَهُمْ فَيَنْقَلِبُوا خَائِبِينَ[ That He might cut down a section of the disbelievers or suppress them so that they turn back disappointed. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 128

لَيْسَ لَكَ مِنَ الْأَمْرِ شَيْءٌ أَوْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ أَوْ يُعَذِّبَهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ ظَالِمُونَ[ They are not your responsibility (O' Prophet ﷺ). It is for Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) to either punish them or forgive them (if they repent). Indeed, they are wrongdoers. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 129

وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ يَغْفِرُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ[ And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whom He wishes and punishes whom He wishes. And Allah is All Forgiving and Most Merciful. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 130

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَا تَأْكُلُوا الرِّبَا أَضْعَافًا مُضَاعَفَةً وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ[ O you who believe, do not practice usury, doubling and quadrupling it (Simple and compound interest). Have fear of Allah, you may well attain your goal. ]

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is assuring that even if you do not take interest, you may prosper in your business transactions.

The Hell fire is prepared for the infidels, not for believers. It is a sorrow state of affairs that believers commit sin, eat Haram, take riba and burn for their sins in Hell fire.

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 132

وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ[ And obey Allah and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) so that you are covered under Allah's Mercy. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 133

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ[ And hasten for the pardon of your Lord, and for Paradise extending over the heavens and the earth, laid out for those who take heed for themselves and fear Allah.]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 134

الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ[ Those who spend in Allah’s cause, in happiness and in grief, and who control their anger and are forgiving towards people; and the righteous; Allah loves those who practice Ihsan. ]

What is Ihsan?

Hadith of Ihsan - Abu Huraira (رضئ الله تعالى عنه) narrated - One day while the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was sitting in the company of some people, (Angel) Jibreel (عليه السلام) came and sat, folding his knees and asked, 'What is faith?' Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), His angels, (the) meeting with Him (on the day of judgment), His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection.’ Then he asked, 'What is Islam?' Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) replied, 'To worship Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay the compulsory charity Zakat and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan.' Then he asked, 'What is Ihsan?' Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) replied, 'To pray as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him then you must consider that He is seeing at you." (Bukhari – part of the Hadith).

As per the above Hadith, there are three categories of people in Muslim Ummah.

(i) People of Iman - They truthfully believe in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). People of Sahih Iman will eventually get salvation.

(ii) People of Islam - There are two types of Muslims under this category, (i) Who have Sahih Iman, and (ii) the followers of deviant sects who do not have Sahih Iman.

The people who are not good at Iman and their believes come under the purview of apostasy / polytheism / hypocrisy / blasphemy are faithless Muslims even though they recite Kalima Tayyiba verbally, claim themselves to be Muslims, and act upon certain Islamic deeds.

It is in Hadith - Abu Said Al-Khudri (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated - Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said ‘there will appear some people among you whose prayer will make you look down upon yours, and whose fasting will make you look down upon yours, and they will recite Qur'an ( in melodious voices and memorize it) but Quran will not go down their throats (they will misunderstand and misinterpret the meanings of Quran) and will go out of Islam as the arrow goes out of the bow. (Bukhari )

Some people consider that people belonging to all Islamic Sect will get salvation on the day of Judgment. Some will get instant salvation, the others will get salvation after they are punished for wrong Iman. This is not a correct understanding because the first and foremost requirement is Sahih Iman. A person who dies without the light of Iman in his heart, lived in darkness in this world, will remain in darkness in Hereafter as well. His Islamic deeds will not be useful for him in his salvation.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) looks at your Iman and intentions because all your outward deeds are dependent upon your Sahih Iman. If you do not have Sahih Iman (correct Islamic faith) in your heart, all your good deeds go in vain.

(iii) People of Ihsan - The People of Ihsan are Awliya Allah who are good both in Iman (Islamic faith) and Islamic deeds. These are the people who are successful in both the worlds. They are the ones who will get innumerable bounties of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) in Hereafter.

It is in Quran - إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوا وَّالَّذِينَ هُم مُّحْسِنُونَ [ Allah is with those who are righteous (تقوه) and practice Ihsan. ] (An-Nahl - 128).

It is in Quran - أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ - الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ - لَهُمُ الْبُشْرَىٰ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۚ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ [Behold the friends of Allah. On them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve. These are they, who have believed in Allah and are mindful of Him and are abstinent (abstain from everything evil). To them tidings come. This in itself is a great felicity. (Younus 62-64).

Followers of Salafi / Wahhabi and like minded sects do not believe in Awliya Allah and consider their pious graves as places of polytheism. They treat them as idols worshiped by idol worshipers. The Muslims who visit their graves for barakah are called by these sects as ‘Grave worshipers’ They do not realize that it is the practice of Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and Sahabah who used to visit the graves of Muslims frequently. There are many Ahadith in this context in almost all authentic Ahadith books. By doing blasphemy of Awliya Allah, followers of these sects surely invite the wrath of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).

It is in Hadith - Whoever takes a Wali of mine (ولي الله) an enemy, I will wage a war on him (Bukhari, part of the Hadith).

The emphasis on ‘Wali of mine’ in the above Hadith shows that Awliya Allah (the people of Ihsan) are the chosen ones among believers and their disrespect, blasphemy and equating them with polytheists’ Idols may lead to dire consequences in Hereafter

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 135

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا فَاحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا اللَّهَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَنْ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّوا عَلَى مَا فَعَلُوا وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ[ And those who, when they commit an immorality or committed oppression on themselves by sinning, (they should) remember Allah (do zikr) and seek forgiveness for their sins. And who can forgive sins except Allah? And those who do not persist in what they have done (do not repeat sins) while they know (that they have done wrong, will find their Lord most forgiving.) ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 136

أُولَئِكَ جَزَاؤُهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَجَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ[ For such (people) the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. What an excellent reward for the people who seek forgiveness and perform good deeds.]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 137

قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُروا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ[ Indeed there have been (many) examples before your time; therefore travel in the earth and see what happened to those who denied the truth. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 138

هَذَا بَيَانٌ لِلنَّاسِ وَهُدًى وَمَوْعِظَةٌ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ[ This is a clear declaration for mankind, and a guidance and a warning for those who save themselves from evil. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 139

وَلَا تَهِنُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَنْتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ[ So do not lose heart or be grieved, for you will surely prevail if you are believers. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 140

إِنْ يَمْسَسْكُمْ قَرْحٌ فَقَدْ مَسَّ الْقَوْمَ قَرْحٌ مِثْلُهُ وَتِلْكَ الْأَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ النَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَيَتَّخِذَ مِنْكُمْ شُهَدَاءَ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ[ If you have been wounded they too have suffered a wound. We cause this alternation of night and day in the affairs of men so that Allah may know those who believe, taking some as witness (of truth) from your ranks, for Allah does not like those who are unjust. ]

The verses 137 to 170 are with reference to the battle of Uhad.

BRIEF HISTORY

The Battle of Uhud took place a year after the battle of Badr, on 7 Shawwal, 3 AH near Mount Uhad, about 5 kilometers north of Madina.

The Makkan pagans were enraged over their defeat in the battle of Badr, a year earlier. Therefore, they prepared the whole year for this battle and marched towards Madina with the objective to eliminate Islam and its Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

As had been the case at Badr, the Muslims were outnumbered in the battle of Uhad as well. The pagans army consisted of 3000 heavily armed men while the Muslims army consisted of about 700 men.

Mount Uhud provided structural defense to the Muslim Army. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ) placed 50 marksmen, archers, at the slope of Mount Uhud. This was to ensure that the backs of the Muslims fighting below would be protected and that the opposing force could not attack them from behind. He commanded that these marksmen never leave their positions regardless of the situation.

In the beginning of the battle, Muslims gained momentum and rapidly overpowerd the Makkans. Soon the Muslims were on the offensive as Makkan pagans were retreating. However, by a strategic mistake on the part of the marksmen the battle was reversed. Looking at the success in the battle field, The archers left their assigned places and went down into the battle field as they considered there was no need to stand there. However, the Makkans got the opportunity to attack Muslims from behind as this area was left defenceless. A contingent of Makkan pagans led by Khaled bin al-Walid who had not accepted Islam then, came from behind and attacked Muslims from their back. Now Muslims were caught in the middle and were attacked from all sides. In this confusion, many Muslim army men retreated and left the battle field. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was held up on Mount Uhad along with his 14 loyal companions. He was also struck by an arrow and lost one of his teeth. On the ground, it was rumored that he was dead. This caused confusion among Muslim ranks. As the Muslims retreated, the Makkan army who had also suffered heavy losses in the beginning of the battle, also retreated and left for Makka. They were chased by brave Sahabah and the battle remained inconclusive.

It is in Quran -وَلَقَدْ صَدَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ وَعْدَهُ إِذْ تَحُسُّونَهُم بِإِذْنِهِ ۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فَشِلْتُمْ وَتَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ وَعَصَيْتُم مِّن بَعْدِ مَا أَرَاكُم مَّا تُحِبُّونَ ۚ مِنكُم مَّن يُرِيدُ الدُّنْيَا وَمِنكُم مَّن يُرِيدُ الْآخِرَةَ ۚ ثُمَّ صَرَفَكُمْ عَنْهُمْ لِيَبْتَلِيَكُمْ ۖ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا عَنكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ [ Allah did indeed fulfill His promise to you when you, with His permission, were about to annihilate your enemy, until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which you covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you. But He forgave you, For Allah is full of grace to those who believe.] (Aal-i-Imran - 152)

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 141

وَلِيُمَحِّصَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَيَمْحَقَ الْكَافِرِينَ[ This is so that Allah may try the faithful and destroy the unbelievers. ]

Juz 4, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 142

أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَنْ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَعْلَمِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا مِنْكُمْ وَيَعْلَمَ الصَّابِرِينَ[ Do you think you will go to Paradise while Allah does not know who among you strive and persist? ]

Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) knows everything about us even when we were not born. Then what is the meaning of the above verse?

The meaning of the above verse is, the people who will be rewarded Paradise will be virtuous and their virtue will be witnessed by their compatriots in this world. Their persistence in Iman and their striving in the way of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will be witnessed in this world by other people.